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New Dean of Studies for KCML is appointed

It is with great joy that Council of Assembly announces the appointment of Rev Dr Geoff New to the position of Dean of Studies at Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.

Geoff will take up the position in mid-2015.

Rev Dr Colin Marshall, Council of Assembly Convener, believes that Geoff will be a wonderful addition to the Knox teaching community, and foresees great days ahead for the ministry and leadership program under Geoff’s guidance.

“Geoff’s appointment is good news for Knox Centre. He is a very experienced minister with a passion for preaching and doing things in a way that is relevant to today’s multicultural context. We are delighted that Geoff has accepted this new ministry role and will join the Knox Centre team.”

Since his ordination in 1997, Geoff has served as the minister at Papakura East Presbyterian Church. During this time, he has also been a Police chaplain in the Counties-Manukau for five years.

Geoff has lectured at the Bible College of New Zealand (now Laidlaw College) for several years, and since 2012 has also served as the director of Kiwimade Preaching, a forum to encourage preachers and biblical preaching in today’s environment. He lectures at Carey Baptist College on occasion and is also a trainer for Langham Preaching in south Asia.

His doctorate from the Australian College of Theology was focused on preaching, which Geoff describes as “the DNA to my sense of call”.

“When I first saw the Dean of Studies position advertised,” he says “it wasn’t so much me sensing God saying ‘Will you?’ as much as me asking ‘May I?’. I’m utterly overwhelmed that the answer was ‘yes’.

“To now have the opportunity at KCML to play a part in the formation and exploration of people’s call to serve God is exhilarating. Right now, though, my joy is tempered by the sadness in parting with the people of Papakura East and Hunua Presbyterian Church who have nurtured my call over the past 17 years. They are amazing followers of Jesus!”

“I’d like to pay tribute to my family, and especially my wife Ruth, for her vision and enduring support of my ministry. Ruth personifies her Biblical namesake and is an integral part of my ministry and her encouragement was the catalyst for me to apply for the role.”

Before ordained ministry, Geoff worked for the Department of Labour and Housing Corporation in employment and human resources related roles.